Mixing Prints and Patterns: How to Wear Different Patterns Together
Nothing says 'fashionista' quite like the ability to mix prints. When you take two or more very different pieces and make them work together in a chic and cool way - that's when you can call yourself a fashion expert.
Start by matching not prints, but colors. If the colors of your outfit look good together, most probably the patterns on those pieces will work together too. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with black and white.
Consider pairing a white and black horizontal striped blazer with white shorts to create an interesting and modern-looking casual outfit. Unimpressed with this outfit? Enter beige leather pumps to spice things up.View Details1 STATE$62White ShortsBella Vita$53Beige Leather PumpsDolce & Gabbana$1,745Black Leather Crossbody BagNo Brand$149Black Sunglasses
2. Stick to one color palette
When you clash patterns, it's a safe bet to stick to similar tones. For instance, pair pastels with pastels.
A white and blue vertical striped dress shirt and white floral skinny jeans are great staples that will integrate wonderfully within your day-to-day arsenal.View DetailsHermes$3,000Gold WatchCharlotte Chesnais$1,109Gold Bracelet
3. Match at least one color
To create a streamlined look, make sure that the patterned pieces you're matching share at least one color that brings the whole look together. In the look below, the striped top and the floral skirt share the color black.
A black blazer and a black floral pencil skirt are the kind of a winning casual combo that you so awfully need when you have no extra time to spare. Black suede pumps will pull the whole thing together.View DetailsVince Camuto$86Black BlazerTrotters$76Black Suede Pumps
4. Spread patterns evenly across your look
If you're not quite there yet to layer a printed jacket over a top in a clashing pattern, try spreading the prints more evenly across your outfit and go with one pattern on the top and another one on the bottom.
This casual combination of a red crew-neck sweater and blue jeans is extremely easy to throw together without a second thought, helping you look chic and ready for anything without spending a ton of time combing through your wardrobe. Make a bit more effort now and complement your getup with tan leopard suede pumps.View DetailsMarni$693Red Crew-neck Sweater3x1 NYC$265Blue JeansChristian Louboutin$945Tan Leopard Suede Pumps
5. Add printed accessories
Start small by incorporating printed accessories to the outfit that already features some pattern. Using a plaid scarf or leopard shoes is always a good idea.
A white and navy horizontal striped crew-neck sweater and blue jeans are a smart combo worth having in your casual styling repertoire. If you want to easily bump up your getup with one piece, why not complete your outfit with a pair of black leather mid-calf boots?View DetailsMavi Jeans$68Blue JeansGuidi$1,257Black Leather Mid-Calf BootsEddie Bauer$40Dark Brown Leather Belt
6. Break rules and be confident
Be adventurous and don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Just do it with confidence! If you own your look in a craziest combination, you're a trendsetter.
A white and blue horizontal striped crew-neck t-shirt and a hot pink floral pencil skirt matched together are a total eye candy for those dressers who love casual styles. For a more sophisticated touch, why not opt for black leather heeled sandals?View DetailsMia$99Black Leather Heeled SandalsGucci$2,650White Leather Satchel Bag
Now we're on to more specific tips - what patterns work good together. Below are some of the most common combinations. But again, feel free to experiment!
A black leather biker jacket and a black and white polka dot pencil skirt are both versatile essentials that will integrate really well within your casual routine. A pair of black leather heeled sandals adds a sophisticated aesthetic to the ensemble.View DetailsRag & Bone$995Black Leather Biker JacketMia$119Black Leather Heeled SandalsLoewe$490Tan Leather BeltThis off-duty combo of a light blue polka dot dress shirt and a navy floral skater skirt is super easy to put together in next to no time, helping you look stylish and prepared for anything without spending too much time searching through your wardrobe.View DetailsLe Specs$49Dark Brown Leopard SunglassesA black and white polka dot long sleeve blouse and a yellow floral skater skirt? This is easily a wearable look that anyone can sport on a day-to-day basis. Introduce black leather wedge pumps to this ensemble and you're all done and looking smashing.View DetailsKenneth Cole New...$39Black Leather Wedge PumpsThis combo of a black and white polka dot long sleeve blouse and a black floral pencil skirt is solid proof that a safe casual getup can still look totaly stylish. The whole look comes together brilliantly when you introduce black suede pumps to the mix.View DetailsGianvito Rossi$714Black Suede PumpsThe mix-and-match capabilities of a white floral long sleeve blouse and blue polka dot skinny jeans mean you'll have them on permanent rotation. For something more on the classy side to complete your ensemble, add blue suede pumps to your outfit.View DetailsGivenchy$2,990Beige Leather Tote BagCharlotte Chesnais$1,109Gold Bracelet
When you do uncoordinated floral patterns on top and bottom, go for floral prints in different sizes - for instance, small, intricate flowers on the top and large elements on the skirt.
For a casual look, go for a mint floral short sleeve blouse and a burgundy floral midi skirt — these items go perfectly well together. Hesitant about how to round off? Add red satin heeled sandals to the equation to rev up the style factor.View Details
What patterns go with polka dot
Polka dot is a pattern of perfectly even and sized circles that became common on clothing in the late 19th century in the United Kingdom. It's easy to combine polka dots with other prints, especially if you opt for a polka dot shirt and treat it as a solid top.
The versatility of a brown leopard crew-neck sweater and a black and white polka dot pencil skirt means they'll be on permanent rotation. Go ahead and introduce black leather heeled sandals to this look for an added touch of chic.View DetailsSam Edelman$120Black Leather Heeled SandalsOn days when comfort is everything, make a black polka dot dress shirt and a brown leopard skater skirt your outfit choice. Amp up the classiness of this outfit a bit by rocking a pair of black leather ankle boots.View DetailsRandom Identities$278Black Leather Ankle BootsPrada$4,300Black Leather Tote BagNo Brand$153Black SunglassesA black blazer and a white and black leopard pencil skirt are a wonderful combination to have in your casual lineup. Our favorite of a ton of ways to round off this getup is beige leather pumps.View DetailsSmythe$725Black BlazerSarah Chofakian$677Beige Leather PumpsThis combo of a brown polka dot dress shirt and burgundy jeans is very easy to pull together and so comfortable to rock all day long as well!View Details
Leopard can be paired with almost any other print. You can always play it safe by adding leopard printed shoes or a clutch in animal spots to an outfit that already features some other print.
This laid-back combo of a black leather biker jacket and navy floral skinny pants is super easy to pull together in seconds time, helping you look seriously stylish and ready for anything without spending a ton of time combing through your closet. Introduce black suede pumps to the equation to avoid looking too casual.View DetailsSchott NYC$890Black Leather Biker JacketSergio Rossi$750Black Suede PumpsLoewe$1,950Brown Leather Tote BagVersace$2,495Gold WatchFashionable and comfortable, this pairing of a black and white floral long sleeve blouse and a white and black leopard mini skirt delivers endless styling opportunities. With footwear, go for something on the dressier end of the spectrum with a pair of beige leather heeled sandals.View DetailsStuart Weitzman$400Beige Leather Heeled Sandals
5. Camo
A leopard clutch is an amazingly versatile accessory that looks great against any other clothes in a clashing pattern, including a camouflage printed parka, shirt or jeans.
Breathe personality into your day-to-day repertoire with a dark green camouflage crew-neck t-shirt and blue ripped boyfriend jeans.View DetailsAlexander McQueen$670Black Studded Leather BeltViktoria Hayman$225Brown BraceletThe mix-and-match capabilities of a dark green camouflage military jacket and black leather leggings mean they'll stay on constant rotation. If you want to easily perk up this ensemble with one piece, why not complement this look with a pair of black leather ankle boots?View DetailsVince$995Black Leather LeggingsGuidi$1,320Black Leather Ankle BootsFor an ensemble that's pared-down but can be worn in a myriad of different ways, choose a dark green anorak and blue ripped jeans. If you wish to immediately up your look with a pair of shoes, why not complement your getup with a pair of tobacco cutout leather ankle boots?View DetailsLevel 99$34Blue Ripped JeansNo Brand$129Green Sunglasses
6. Leopard on Leopard
For a bold, stand-out look, try pairing two leopard pieces in clashing colors.
A yellow leopard blazer and white and black leopard skinny pants married together are such a dreamy look for those who prefer ultra-cool styles. Tone down the casualness of this ensemble by wearing a pair of orange leather heeled sandals.View DetailsThe Row$790Orange Leather Heeled SandalsSaint Laurent$1,290Black Leather ClutchFor effortless style without the need to sacrifice on comfort, we like this relaxed casual pairing of a tan leopard crew-neck sweater and a red leopard mini skirt. In the footwear department, go for something on the classier end of the spectrum and finish this outfit with black leather pumps.View DetailsJimmy Choo$775Black Leather Pumps
What patterns go with chevron
Chevron is a bold pattern in the form of an inverted V-shape. Curiously, this zigzag print works perfectly with a variety of other patterns.
1. Stripes
This pairing of a black cape coat and a white and black horizontal striped full skirt is a good outfit for off duty. Black leather ankle boots will bring a dose of elegance to an otherwise utilitarian outfit.View DetailsGuidi$1,320Black Leather Ankle BootsFalke$53Black TightsThis off-duty pairing of a white and black horizontal striped turtleneck and a blue chevron denim mini skirt takes on different nuances depending on the way you style it out.View DetailsNo Brand$19Tan Leather Crossbody BagA light blue vertical striped dress shirt and a white and red chevron full skirt make for the ultimate cool-girl's relaxed style. Finishing with red suede pumps is an easy way to add a bit of zing to this look.View DetailsBalenciaga$735Light Blue Vertical Striped Dress ShirtGianvito Rossi$695Red Suede PumpsSydney Evan$2,970Gold NecklaceAlexander McQueen$450Gold BraceletThis ensemble with a black and white chevron sleeveless top and a black pencil skirt isn't a hard one to score and leaves room to more experimentation. And if you need to instantly elevate this getup with shoes, why not introduce black and white horizontal striped leather pumps to this ensemble?View DetailsThe Row$350Black Pencil SkirtYou'll be surprised at how extremely easy it is to get dressed this way. Just a black and white chevron dress shirt and white and black vertical striped tapered pants. As for shoes, complement this ensemble with a pair of black leather pumps.View DetailsChristian Louboutin$995Black Leather PumpsValextra$2,380Red Leather Crossbody BagFor a casual ensemble, consider wearing a grey horizontal striped oversized sweater and khaki chevron jeans — these two pieces work perfectly well together. Get a bit experimental on the shoe front and spruce up your look by rounding off with tan leather heeled sandals.View DetailsDel Carlo$320Tan Leather Heeled Sandals
2. Another Texture
A different texture, like knitwear or lace, totally counts as another pattern! Pair your chevron printed skirt or trousers with a cable sweater or a lace top for a cool, eclectic look.
Fashionable and practical, this combo of a white cable sweater and black and white chevron skinny pants offers variety. And if you want to effortlesslly up the style ante of this ensemble with footwear, introduce black leather pumps to the equation.View DetailsJ. Renee$99Black Leather PumpsPrada$4,300Black Leather Tote BagBrixton$69Black Wool HatWear a multi colored chevron dress shirt with a green lace midi skirt to achieve new levels in your personal style. Black leather loafers look amazing here.View DetailsMarsèll$750Black Leather LoafersMarni$2,150Brown Leather Crossbody Bag
3. Graphic
One of our fave ways to style out a black leather biker jacket is to marry it with a white and blue chevron mini skirt for an off-duty look.View DetailsAllSaints$370Black Leather Biker JacketAn orange chevron short sleeve blouse and blue print shorts are a great pairing that will effortlessly carry you throughout the day. If you feel like dressing up a bit, add beige leather heeled sandals to the mix.View DetailsStuart Weitzman$400Beige Leather Heeled Sandals
4. Polka Dot
Try teaming a white polka dot sleeveless top with a tan chevron pencil skirt for a practical getup that's also well put together. Add olive suede lace-up ankle boots to the mix to effortlesslly boost the chic factor of your ensemble.View DetailsFor an outfit that provides functionality and fashion, go for a black and white polka dot blazer and green skinny pants.View DetailsGivenchy$2,990Beige Leather Tote BagCharlotte Chesnais$1,283Gold Bracelet
This off-duty pairing of a black chevron open cardigan and a beige leopard skater skirt is extremely easy to pull together without a second thought, helping you look on-trend and ready for anything without spending too much time digging through your wardrobe.View DetailsThe Row$350Beige TankDolce & Gabbana$2,095Beige Leather Crossbody Bag
Paisley is a popular design motif that features a teardrop-shaped vegetable and a spray of floral elements. While its western name 'paisley' derives from the town of Paisley, Scotland, where paisley designs were produced, the pattern is actually traced back to the Indo-European cultures of over 2000 years ago. Paisley is a recurring trend in fashion as well, and when it comes to mixing prints, it pairs well with stripes and polka dots.
If it's comfort and practicality that you love in an outfit, pair a grey short sleeve sweater with a light violet paisley pencil skirt. Wondering how to finish off? Complete your outfit with a pair of white and black print leather pumps to amp up the oomph factor.View DetailsNine West$47White and Black Print Leather Pumps
What patterns go with tartan
Tartan (often called plaid in North America) is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Check out the patterns, with which you can mix tartan.
Gingham is a pattern that combines checks and stripes. It is formed by horizontal and vertical stripes (usually of the same color) that cross each other on a white background to form even checks. Scroll down for the patterns that lend themselves well to gingham check.
1. Floral
Wear a green floral dress shirt and white and navy check skinny pants for a refined yet relaxed casual look. We adore how cohesive this outfit looks when finished off with a pair of hot pink leather heeled sandals.View DetailsSuzanne Kalan$2,600Green RingTeaming a white floral skater dress with a red and white gingham dress shirt is a nice idea for a cool and casual outfit.View DetailsA yellow gingham dress shirt and a yellow floral maxi skirt are a good look worth having in your day-to-day rotation. In the shoe department, go for something on the casual end of the spectrum by finishing off with a pair of navy low top sneakers.View DetailsAlegria$109Navy Low Top Sneakers
Houndstooth, or dogtooth, is a two-toned (most often black and white) pattern that consists of small broken or jagged checks.
1. Polka Dot
Solange Knowles looks amazing in this combination of a polka dot top and a houndstooth midi skirt accessorized with leopard pumps.
A brown polka dot crew-neck t-shirt and a white houndstooth pencil skirt are a good pairing worth integrating into your day-to-day fashion mix. Introduce a pair of tan leopard suede pumps to the mix to effortlesslly step up the glam factor of your outfit.View DetailsChristian Louboutin$945Tan Leopard Suede PumpsAsh$159Yellow Leather Clutch
When you've mastered combining two different prints, it's time to move onto bigger things: try mix-and-matching three patterns in one outfit. The important rule here is to find one color in all three pieces that will pull the outfit together. Check out the look below. Note how the color navy in the striped sweater, the gingham shirt and the dotted skirt brings the look together, while the red stripes on the sweater add a pop of color.
A red and navy horizontal striped crew-neck sweater and a navy and white polka dot skater skirt are chic off-duty pieces, without which no off-duty closet would be complete.View DetailsAlexander McQueen$450Gold BraceletVersace$2,495Gold WatchA white and black print coat and a green print pencil skirt are a good combination worth having in your day-to-day casual fashion mix. If in doubt as to the footwear, complete your ensemble with a pair of blue suede pumps.View DetailsZadig & Voltaire$298Black Leather ClutchFor an off-duty outfit, Make a hot pink horizontal striped crew-neck sweater and a white and navy polka dot skater skirt your outfit choice. To introduce a little fanciness to your getup, introduce black leather pumps to the mix.View DetailsChristian Louboutin$995Black Leather PumpsMarni$2,150Black Leather Satchel BagLe Specs$49Dark Brown SunglassesA red print blazer and a blue floral mini skirt are a combination that every stylish girl should have in her off-duty arsenal.View DetailsCharlotte Chesnais$1,109Gold BraceletThis is solid proof that a black floral kimono and navy skinny jeans look awesome when married together in a casual outfit.View DetailsMiss Me$58Black Floral Kimono1822 Denim$49Navy Skinny JeansA dark green camouflage parka and blue print sweatpants are a great getup worth integrating into your day-to-day casual arsenal.View Details
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